Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” offers an abundance of baroque architecture, Roman ruins, and Jewish history that make it a perfect place for in-depth explorations. Its compact historic center, filled with ornate churches and ancient sites, invites travelers to experience its layered past firsthand. One of our favorite tours is the Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour, which combines local gastronomy with the city’s architectural highlights—a smart way to make history tasty and memorable. For those preferring a more active approach, the Lecce Historical Attractions Tour in Group takes you on a bike or rickshaw ride through the city’s main sights, perfect for covering more ground comfortably.
If you’re interested in Jewish heritage, the Lecce: Jewish History Walking Tour offers a concise journey into the city’s medieval Jewish quarter and underground museum. For a more personalized experience, the Guided Tour of the Historic Attractions of Lecce Private blends walking and private guide expertise, ensuring you don’t miss the architectural treasures like Piazza del Duomo and Santa Croce. Lastly, for a full-day experience that combines architecture, wine, and seaside, the Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour delivers a comprehensive taste of southern Italy’s culture and landscape.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each tour, helping you decide which one best matches your interests and travel style.
1. Lecce History and Street Food Tasting Small Group Tour
This tour is an ideal introduction for travelers wanting a bite-sized, immersive experience. Over approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll walk through Lecce’s old town, with stops at iconic sites like the Porta San Biagio, Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Roman amphitheater. The highlight, however, is the inclusion of street food tastings, which means you get to sample local cheeses, pastries, and other treats that reveal the city’s culinary side. The tour’s blend of history and gastronomy makes it a favorite for those who want a relaxed, engaging way to understand Lecce in a short time.
Rated 5.0/5 by 239 reviews, travelers praise Antonella’s lively storytelling and her ability to make history fun. Many mention the ample food, especially the freshly baked pastries stuffed with cheese, and appreciate how the tastings complement the sights. The tour is well-paced for most fitness levels, though expect some walking and standing. The best part? It’s a small group, so there’s plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies and history lovers alike, this tour offers a perfect snapshot of Lecce’s beauty and flavors, especially if you’re in town for just a few hours.
2. Lecce Historical Attractions Tour in Group (2h)
This 2-hour guided tour offers a quick but rundown of Lecce’s top sights, ideal for travelers who want to see the main highlights without a long commitment. Available in bike or rickshaw, it’s perfect for covering the city’s streets comfortably while soaking in the atmosphere. The tour begins at Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy’s most stunning squares, and continues past the Porta Napoli triumphal arch, the Santa Croce Basilica, and the Roman ruins.
What makes this tour stand out is its eco-friendly transportation and the opportunity to see Lecce from different perspectives. The guide shares fascinating insights into each site’s history, architecture, and significance. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, like Francesca and Flore, who make the experience engaging and fun, especially with visual aids.
At just over $40, the tour provides excellent value, especially if you’re short on time but want to avoid missing Lecce’s key sights. It’s suited for active travelers, those interested in architecture, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, intimate group setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick orientation of Lecce’s highlights, especially if you like exploring by bike or rickshaw and want a friendly, informative guide.
3. Lecce: Jewish History Walking Tour
This 1-hour tour takes you deep into Lecce’s medieval Jewish community, exploring its historic streets and underground Jewish Museum. It’s a focused, meaningful experience that uncovers the city’s lesser-known past, ending in the underground museum where you’ll see relics and learn about the Jewish presence in Salento.
Rated 4.8/5, this tour is led by guides who are passionate and knowledgeable. The highlight is the visit to the Jewish Museum, which offers a rare glimpse into the Jewish diaspora’s influence in the region. The tour is compact but packed with stories about the main phases of Jewish history here, making it suitable for history aficionados and those interested in cultural heritage.
The price is quite accessible at $28, making it a great option for travelers with limited time but a curiosity about Jewish heritage. Expect some walking through narrow streets and an intimate group size that fosters questions.
Bottom Line: A concise, insightful journey perfect for history buffs and those wanting to explore Lecce’s multicultural layers beyond its Baroque facades.
4. Guided Tour of the Historic Attractions of Lecce Private
For those seeking a customized, flexible private experience, this tour is a top choice. Over 1 to 3 hours, an expert guide takes you through Lecce’s most significant sites, such as Piazza del Duomo, Santa Croce, and Piazza Sant’Oronzo, offering tailored insights along the way.
Rated 5.0/5 by 17 reviews, this private tour ensures a personalized touch, which is especially valuable if you want to focus on specific areas or have limited mobility. The guide can adapt the schedule, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate a slower pace or deeper dives into particular sites. The combination of walking with optional rickshaw rides enhances the comfort and convenience.
Guests rave about the guides’ knowledge and the ability to customize the experience. The tour’s price, around $83, reflects its private nature and tailored approach, offering good value for those who prefer a more exclusive, stress-free visit.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a bespoke, in-depth exploration of Lecce’s top sights with a private guide.
5. Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour
This full-day adventure combines cultural sites with wine tastings, making it a well-rounded experience for those who want to see more than just Lecce. The day includes strolling Gallipoli’s historic Old Town, built on an island, and exploring Lecce’s architecture, plus visits to local vineyards to taste Primitivo, Negromaro, and other regional wines.
Rated 5.0/5 from just 3 reviews, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine history, seaside scenery, and wine. The private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility, allowing you to customize your experience, whether you prefer extra beach time or more winery visits. The inclusion of a lunch with local specialties adds a generous touch.
This tour is ideal for those with a full day available, especially if you’re interested in regional food and wine and want to cover multiple attractions in one go. The main downside is it’s a longer, more expensive option, but the depth and variety justify the cost.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting an all-in-one day trip that mixes heritage, coastal scenery, and wine tasting.
How to Choose Your Lecce Tour
When selecting the best experience for your trip, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. For example, if you’re tight on time but want a flavorful taste of Lecce’s architecture and cuisine, the Street Food and History Tour is unbeatable. If you prefer a more personalized, flexible visit, the private Guided Tour is ideal. For those passionate about Jewish history, the shorter but impactful Jewish Walking Tour offers a focused deep dive.
Longer days with a mix of heritage, seaside relaxation, and wine are best suited for the Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Tour. And for active travelers who love exploring by bike or rickshaw, the group attractions tour provides a fun and engaging way to see the city.
Booking early is advised, especially in the high season, to secure your preferred tour and time slot.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a wide variety of historical tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. Whether you’re a food lover, architecture enthusiast, or Jewish history explorer, there’s an experience suited for you. The small group food and history tour is perfect for those with limited time, while the private guided experience suits travelers seeking a personalized touch. For a full-day immersion, the heritage and wine tour delivers a broader taste of the region’s culture.
Whatever your preference, Lecce’s rich architectural landscape, Roman roots, and Jewish heritage make it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts. Book your tour early, and be prepared to walk, learn, and taste your way through this beautiful city’s past.
